The club was originally founded for officers of the East India Company, and its first Patron was Prince Albert.

[1] In 2014, the club made headlines after one of its staff successfully stole over £500,000 during a five-year period before the loss was noticed,[2][3] later pleading guilty to the fraud.

[4] Having failed to recover the money, which was spent on a gambling habit, the Club later threatened to sue its own bank for not adequately warning them of the fraud that took place over five years.

[9] The house was then taken over by Sir John Germain, 1st Baronet, the lover and, later, husband of Mary Howard, Duchess of Norfolk.

On 21 June 1815, the Prince Regent (later George IV) was the principal guest at a dinner party held at 16 St James's Square.

There is a mix of Sunday friendly cricket and T20 evening matches, and they end the season with a tour in another country.

The Polo Section is a dynamic and inclusive community within the club, renowned for its vibrant calendar of events, particularly during the British grass season (April to September).

They cater to a diverse range of members, from seasoned polo enthusiasts to newcomers, including those new to horse-riding.

As the largest grassroots polo club in the country, they take pride in their commitment to making the sport accessible to all.

Notably a series of Rugby Lunches are hosted for members and their guests at the club, typically the day prior to an England fixture.

Through its membership, the club has strong and long-standing links to global rugby administration; this is reflected in various memorabilia and photography around the clubhouse.

The club's yacht squadron takes part in a variety of sailing events and has also initiated an inter-club regatta in honour of Colonel Newman VC – a day of sailing races from Seaview, Isle of Wight, in mermaid class boats.